First Place
Buy the first production Shelby GT350 at auction and support a worthy cause
By Steve Turner
Photos courtesy of Ford Motor Company
If you are a Ford performance fan, there is no doubt you are salivating at the possibility of owning the all-new Shelby GT350. Featuring a host of performance upgrades from a MagneRide suspension to a flat-plane crank in a 5.2-liter V-8, this is one special Mustang. It would be awesome to own any example of the new Shelby, but the chance to own the first one is being put up for auction to support a charity.
“We took the best Ford Mustang yet and massaged every aspect of the car that affects the performance driving experience,†Jamal Hameedi, chief engineer, Ford Global Performance Vehicles, said. “We tested endlessly on the most challenging roads and tracks in the world, and we believe serious drivers will love the Shelby GT350 Mustang.â€
What’s not to love about an evolution of the S550 platform that sharpens its handling and pushes it boundaries with over 500 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque?
“The all-new Shelby GT350 is a thrilling, world-class car,†Steve Ling, North America car marketing manager for Ford, added. “From the all-new independent suspension—a first for a Shelby, to the powerful engine and superb brakes, this car is simply amazing. Just as the Shelby GT350 did in 1965, we expect this new-generation pony car to demonstrate Ford Motor Company continues to lead the world in innovation and performance.â€
The first example of this high-performance Mustang will hit the auction block at Barrett-Jackson’s Scotsdale, Arizona, auction on Saturday January 17, 2015.
“Ford and Barrett-Jackson have raised millions of dollars to benefit local and national charities for many years,†Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson Auctions, said. “The auction of the new Shelby GT350 promises to be electrifying, while helping raise necessary funding for JDRF.â€
Long supported by Ford, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation strives to find a cure.
“JDRF is privileged to work with Ford, and we are extremely grateful for the generous support from Ford and its employees through the years,†John Brady, JDRF chairman, international board of directors, said. “We are honored to be part of the company’s 50-year celebration of the Shelby GT350 at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale. This very exciting and worthwhile event means a great deal to not only JDRF and the type 1 community, but to me personally as well. We are dedicated to continue our work and to share our vision of creating a world without type 1 diabetes.â€
If you make it out to Scottsdale to bid on this special car—or just watch the festivities—Ford will have several high-performance rides on hand for ride and drives. Available for action in Scottsdale will be Expeditions, F-150s, and Mustangs. Also available will be Shelby creations like the GT500 Super Snake and the Shelby Focus ST. Drivers from Miller Motorsports Park’s Ford Racing school will do the driving.
